Overview
The Fuji Finepix S1000fd is a 10 megapixel super zoom camera with a 12x optical zoom lens.
Why Buy The Fuji Finepix S1000fd
The Finepix S1000fd is that bit cheaper than most super zoom models. A large part of the reason for this is that it has a shorter zoom and one or two less features than some of its competitors. The upside of the Finepix S1000fd not having every bell and whistle is that it helps to make the camera that bit easier to use.
Main Features
Megapixels:
Zoom:
LCD Screen:
Dimensions:
Weight:
10
12x
2.7 inches
102.5 ? 73 ? 67.8mm
325g
Macro:
HD Movies:
Manual Controls:
Batteries:
Memory Cards:
5cm
No
Yes
AA
xD/SD/SDHC
Image Quality - See Sample Images Below
Outdoor Scenic Shots in Good Light
The Finepix S1000fd handles the colours and darker areas of the photos well. I am impressed with the definition showing on the name of one of the boats in the centre of the photo. Sharpness is good too. Some detail is lost from the brightest areas of the shot where the sun falls on the boat.
Focusing is roughly in line with most other digital cameras in this shot. In terms of focusing this is the toughest test I run. The more distant parts of the scene are softer, but the majority of the shot is sharp enough. I would like to have seen greater brightness in the shot.
There is a strong turquoise fringing showing in this shot. It is true that all super zooms have this problem (or more commonly purple fringing) to a degree, but this photo suggests the Finepix S1000fd suffers more than most others. This problem occurs in bright conditions, with light coloured subjects in the shot. It is likely that the problem will be evident even in smaller prints.
With the lens fully extended focusing levels are softer than average.
This is another photo I would like to have seen a touch lighter. In the shaded areas there is a loss of definition in the photo. In the brighter sections the photo is much sharper than when the zoom lens was fully extended.
Portraits
Working much closer to the subject makes for a sharply focused photo. The colours are quite strong, but they do lend a lot of warmth to the photo. I have used a white balance setting of shady to add some extra punch to the colours in the shot.
The pop up flash unit produces plenty of brightness. This is a sharp photo. Perhaps some extra warmth in the skin tones would have improved the photo further.
Using the natural lighting available the Finepix S1000fd manages to produce a light, bright photo. This works well for the darker areas of the hair. Noise is controlled well in the shot.
Macro, Colours and Noise
In super macro mode the Finepix S1000fd is able to get in very close to the subject. This helps to deliver a bright, clear photo with good level of detail. In fact this macro shot stands up very well against other similar digital cameras.
There is plenty of colour in my test shots, without the camera going over the top. With strong blues and greens this should help to produce colourful landscapes.
Fuji digital cameras tend to handle higher ISO settings as well as or better than other brands. That is the case with the Finepix S1000fd. Although noise is still apparent in the darker or more shaded areas of the shots the camera controls noise levels better than most cameras manage.
Summary
I am happy enough with the Finepix S1000fd. Ironically the one problem shot is the one where the zoom is fully extended. This after all is the key test photo for this camera. I also found some of my test photos a little dark.
Style
The Finepix S1000fd is small for a super zoom camera. Like most of its competitors it has been modeled on a digital SLR.
Shutter Lag Times
Single Shot
Five Shots
Single Shot With Flash
Five Shots With Flash
Turn on Time
0.42 seconds
19.63 seconds
1.68 seconds
20.47 seconds
3.08 seconds
Ease of Use
With the extra manual features the Finepix S1000fd is not as easy to pick up and get going with as a more straightforward point and shoot camera. The reason it earns an above average Ease of Use Rating is that compared to other, similar cameras you are likely to get to grips with it that bit quicker.
Points I Like
Easier than other super zooms - compact size for type of camera
Where it Could Improve
Shot with zoom fully extended disappointing
Verdict
The Fuji Finepix S1000fd does most things well enough, apart from taking photos with the zoom fully extended. It is as easy to use as any super zoom camera and is also relatively compact.
Product Shots
Front View
Back View
Top View
Sample Menus
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Nikon Coolpix S9300 Rating 86/100
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Canon Powershot SX260 HS Rating 86/100
The Canon Powershot SX260 HS is one of the very best digital cameras in this category. In fact if you are happy to miss out on features such as 3D photography and 360 degree panoramas it is very hard to beat. It has a great set of features packed into its relatively compact body size and picture quality helps to make it stand out from the competition. Although it is one of the more expensive cameras in this field it still offers good value for money.
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Related Pages
Fuji Finepix S1000fd Review Fuji Finepix S1000fd Specification Fuji Finepix S1000fd Sample Images Fuji Finepix S1000fd Features Fuji Digital Cameras
Review Date
August 2008
